Rotary International

Rotary International is a global service organization headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, with the mission of advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace. It operates as a parent organization to more than 45,000 Rotary clubs worldwide, comprising over 1.2 million members[2][4].

Background

Rotary International was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris and has since grown into a vast network of professionals and community leaders working to address global challenges such as health, education, poverty, and environmental issues[2].

The Rotary Foundation

The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International, established in 1917 with an initial contribution of $26.50 from the Rotary Club of Kansas City. Today, it supports projects worth over $1 million daily and has invested more than $4 billion in sustainable projects worldwide. The Foundation is recognized for its efficient financial management, consistently receiving the highest ratings from charity evaluators[1][3][5].

Focus Areas

Rotary and The Rotary Foundation focus on several key areas:

• Promoting Peace: Through various programs, Rotary fosters peace and conflict resolution techniques worldwide[2][3].
• Fighting Disease: Rotary has been instrumental in the global polio eradication effort and supports initiatives to improve health globally[1][5].
• Providing Clean Water: Rotary clubs work on projects to supply clean water and sanitation facilities worldwide[2].
• Supporting Education: Educational programs, including scholarships and fellowships, are central to The Rotary Foundation's activities[5].
• Economic Development: Rotary clubs support local economic growth through various community projects[2].

Governance

Rotary International is governed by a Board of Directors, while The Rotary Foundation is managed by a Board of Trustees. Both entities work together to ensure that Rotary's mission and objectives are met through a combination of service projects and grants[4].

Structure

Rotary clubs are grouped into districts, each led by a District Governor. These districts are organized into regional zones, facilitating global coordination and support[4].

Achievements

Rotary has made significant impacts globally, notably in polio eradication and disaster relief. The Rotary Foundation's efforts have improved millions of lives through sustainable projects[1][3].